Compensation strategies are one of the most effective ways in memory rehabilitation, including internal and external aids as well as environmental adaptations. External aids attach importance to external objects or the environment, in favor of cognitive or behavioral interventions. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the efficacy and bio-psycho-social indicators associated with the use of external aids, by older people with memory impairment. It was reviewed a variety of scientific studies, mostly in English, with inclusion criteria of intervention for older people with memory impairment. Exclusion criteria included youths or children and assessment of other compensation strategies. The findings presented them as the most commonly used compensatory mechanisms as age goes by, decreasing in dementia. It is concluded that older people should be integrated into training systems, adjusted to mnesic impairment, enhancing stimulation and maintenance of memory and independence.
external aid; mnesic impairment; older people
